Control apparatus



Mafl'ch 31,-1942. y Jj HARRIS 2,278,402

' CONTROL APPARATUS Filed NOV. 7, 1938 I az so 33 1 [www2 All R SUIPPlLNY ,noer-ltor wim/ar) 601mm f as, Y 1

' PatentedMan'l, 19424 i A 1 UNITED CONTROL APPARATUS` John r.. mma, mummia, man., mgm-ro Minneapolislloneywell Regulator Company, Minneapolis, Minn., a corporation of Delaware Application November 7, 1938, Serial No. 239,332

1o claims. (ci. 121-41) This invention relates in general to automatic controls and more particularly to automatic con'- trols of the pneumatic or pressure actuated type.

' In control apparatus of the pneumatic type, it has been customary to utilize motors Afor actuating valves or dampers which consist of a diaphragm biased in one direction by means of a spring. With this arrangement, as pressure is applied to the diaphragm, it expands against the biasing' action of the spring. Hence, for each value .of pressure applied to the diaphragm, there is a corresponding position which it will tend to assume. Thus by changing the pressure applied to the diaphragm. of a motor of this type, the position of the damper or valve actuated thereby may be varied as desired. -One defect of control apparatus of this type is that'the power available for shifting the controlled device approaches zero. the controlled deviceapproaches the desired position. This prevents the conrt is an object of this invention to provide a' positioning device for a pneumatic or pressure :actuated motor which is simple and inexpensive 'pneumatic motors which requires only 'one air trolled device from ever reaching the -exact position called for by the controller as there is no power available for overcoming the friction of the parts and the force exerted upon the controlled device by the medium being controlled.

Another defect in the simple type of pneumatic motor is that there isnoforce available for' holding the controlled device in the desired po-v sition. When the controlled device is in thev proper 'position the force exerted by the biasing spring just balances the force caused by the pressure within the diaphragm.' 'nils permits movement of the controlled device rather easily due to the action of the iluid flowing through the valve or damper being controlled. 1

` In order. to overcome the objections to the thermostat or other controller. A further object of this invention is the pro-- connection to each motor being controlled.

More speciiically, it is an object of this invention to provide a-pneumatic control system in which the position of the motor is positively vcontrolled by a follow-up device under the control Y of a pneumatic condition controller, this controller maintaining an excess pressure in its control line which is ntilizedby the positive posi- .tioner for overcoming friction of the parts.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a small simple andcompact positive positioner f which may readily be applied to a radiator or siniilar pneumatic valve and which requires only a single pipe connection between thejalve and vision of a positive positioner for a pneumatic controller which consists of a' pr'eure actuated valve assembly' carried by the movable part of themtor, and which includes a follow-up member engaging a stationary part of the motor.

` Other objects will appear'from the following descriptionand the appended claims.' For afull disclosure of this invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and to the accompanying drawing, in which' Figure l indicates a pneumatic radiator valve 'partly' in 'section and the positive posimple type of pneumatic motor resort made to what is termed a positive positioner which consists of a valve mechanism for either supplying pressure uid to the diaphragm -or venting the diaphragm, thisvalve mechanism being controlled conjointlyfby the controller and a fol1owup mechanismfor thus causing the motor to assxnne the exact position called for byv the'controller irrespective of friction or'load upon the controlled'devlc. Such Vpositive positioners, however, heretofore have been quite complicated and expensive in construction which has limited their use to expensive industrial control applications and has prohibited their Kuse for controlling heating and ventilating of buildings. Such positive positioners also. have required a supply of air imder full pressure to the pneumatic motor being controlled which requires additional piping and adds-to Iche expense ot the installation.

semblytakenon sitioner applied thereto;

Figure 2 is a sectlon through the valve asline z -2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a'view similarto Figure l'of a modiiled arrangement, and

Figure 4 diagrammatically indicates a pneumatic control system for controlling a plurality of valves having positioners embodying this invention.

Referring to Figure 1, reference character I indicates a radiator valve body of usual -construction -having a valve port 2 adapted for cooperation with a valve member 3 which is securedtoavalvestemtleadingupwardlythrough astumng box 5...'I'he upper portion-ofthe valve Vbodyliscoveredbytheusualbonnetlwhich 'is provided with a cylindrical portion l for receivlngtheannularbasememberloftheusual diaphragm cage 9. This diaphragm cage consists of an inverted cup member having integral legs I secured to the base portion e8.. 'Ihis base -portion 8 is secured to the Valve bonnet 6 'by means of a lock screw Located within the diaphragm cage 9` is the valve actuating dia- 'phragm I2 which may consist of a plurality of communicating` cells I3. The upper face of the top cell abuts the top oi the diaphragm cage 9 and the lower cell I3 is mountedv upon a 'base plate I4. Attached to this base plate I4 is a housing I5 which contains the valveassembly.

This housing I5I in vturn, rests upon a plate I6 which is secured to thevalve stem 4. Abissing spring |1is provided betweenthefstuillng box member 5 and. the valve'- housing |5 for thereby urging the diaphragm I2 towards contracted position and the valve member 3- away from the valve vseat 2.

Referring to Figure- 2, the valve housing I5.

may be formed of anupper portion I8 which may be integral with the base plate I4, an intermediate annular portion I9, and a lower porof a spring 28 'which abuts a cross member 29.

This cross Vmember 29 also acts as a guide for the valve member 25. `The valve 21 is similarly biased to closed positionby a spring 30 which abuts a cross member 3| which also acts as a valve guide. The cross members 29 and 3| are secured together by means of screws 32 and 33 which extend through suitable openings in the central plates 23 and 26. Suitable spac'- ers 34, 35, and 36 are provided for maintaining. the parts in the relative positions shown. It will be apparent that with the construction just described, the diaphragm 2| and 22 are joined together so as to move upwardly or downwards ly in unison and that the valves 25 and 21- are biased towards closed position by the springs 28 and 30 irrespective of the positions 'of the dia- 50. action of the spring member 49 and the followphragms.

The chamber 31 between diaphragms 2| and 22 is connected by passages 38 and 39 in members I9 and I8 to a nipple 4|| formed on the be plate I4'. It will be understood that the lower cell I3 ofthe diaphragm. I2 is attached to this nipple 4I! and consequently the interior of this diaphragm is in constant communication witli the space 31. Located within the space 31 and extending between the screws 32 and'33 is a stationary cross member 4| -which is adapted to engage the valve members 25 and 21. When the xdiaphragms the positions shown, the cross member 4| is not engaging either valve member and conse- V-quently these valve members are caused to engage their respective valve seats under the action of the biasing springs,v thereby placing the cham- .ber 31 and the interior-of the diaphragm I2 Yout of communication with both the upper chamber Ita and the lower chamber 20a. Upon upward movement of the diaphragms 2| and 22, the Valve member `21 will disngage its seat.due tov this member being held stationary by the cross member 4|. Similarly, upon downward movement of the diaphragms; the cross member 4| will retain 2| and 22 arein valve member 2 5 stationary thus c disengageits seat. v

Referring again-to Figure. 1, reference character 45 indicates'lugs whichmay be formed in- 5 tegrally with the .baseplate 4 and which provide witha forked end abuttingthe cross member 29. I

l l) Also secured to` the shaft 46 is a leaf spring member 49 which is rigidly connected at its upper endto the follow-up member 41 and. which extends downwijirdly-ly and carries a roller 53 which-abuts an inclined plane member 5|. 'I his member may 15 be adjustably secured-to the sides ofthe diaphragm cage 9 by meansof ears 52 andscrews ing the screws 53 and'these slots provide for shifting the member 5| to the right or left as well as gg) varying the inclination thereof. It will be apparent that the tension of the spring member 49 due to engagement with the inclined plane member 5| will urge the follow-up member 4T downwill urge the dia'phragms4 wardly which, in turn, E5 2| and 22 downwardly.-

' Referring to Figure 4, reference character 55 indicates av source' of air supply which may be connected through a reducing valve 56 to a. thermostat 51. This thermostat in turn is connected 30 by pipes 58'. to the valves which control the flow of heating medium into the radiators 59.'

The thermostat 51 may be of any'desired type and is adapted to increase the pressure in the pipes 58 upon increase in temperature at the thermostat, while decreasing this pressure upon temperature fall. Referring again to Figure. 1, the pipe- 58 may be connected to a fitting 61| located within the interior oi the diaphragm cage 9 and this fitting may be connectedby a flexible tube 6| to the chamber 20a located beneath the diaphragm 22. In this manner, the

' variable pressure applied by the thermostat 51 through pipe 58 is communicated-to the Space 20a thereby urging the diaphragms 2| and 22 upwardly. l

From the foregoing description, it will be ap-4 parent that the variable pressure applied by the thermostat 51 tends to urge the assembly formed' of diaphragms 2| and 22 upwardly, while the up member 41 urges this `assembly downwardly. It.will also be apparent that when the upward force exerted by diphragm 22 just balances the' downward force of the spring memberI c49, the diaphragms 2| Yand 22 will assume the positions shown in which the valves 25 and 21 are closed. If the force exerted bythe diaphragm `or pressure actuated device 22 should 4become greater than the downward force exerted by the spring member 49, the diaphragm assembly will move upwardly for opening valve 21 and admitting pressure fluid from the thermostat to the space 31 and the diaphragm I2. On 'the other hand, if theI downward force exerted by spring member 65 49 should become greater than the upward force vexerted bythe diaphragm 22, the diaphragm asl sembly will move downwardly for opening valve 25 which will permit-pressureiiuid to flow from the valve. actuating diaphragm I2 to atmosphere. v

The spring |1 which biases the valve member 3 towards open position maybe'so designed as to permit the valve to be entirely closed v'vhenthe.`

pressure in diaphragm I2 is at or abovettwelve using it' to l for rotatable mounting o f a shaft 46. Attached The ears 52 are provided (with slotsl receiv so that whenv the radiator valve is wide open thetensionlon the spring member 49 will Just ,balance out a force lof ten pounds per square inch vice 22. 'Ihis inclined plane member 5I maybe also adjusted so that when the valve is completely closed, the tension of the spring member 49 just balances the force produced by diaphragm 22 when subjected to a pressure of seventeen 'pounds per square inch. The thermostat 81 may be'adjusted so as to vary the pressure Vwithin pipes 8 between tenand seventeen pounds per square inch.

-- beneath the diaphragm or pressure actuated detion.' When the valve movement corresponds to the change in pressure effected by thermostat 811, the force exerted by spring 48 will just balance the force exerted by diaphragm 22 and consequently the diaphragm and valve assembly will resume the neutral position for maintaining the valve stationary.

As mentioned before, the valve spring I1 may be designed so as to cause the radiator valve to be entirely closed when twelve pounds per square inch pressure' is applied to diaphragm I2 while causing the` valve to be wide open when. this pressure is reduced lto nve pounds per square inch. Due lto the *adjustment of the inclined plane member 5I so as to cause complete opening of the valve when thepressure in pipe 58 is at ten with the parts in the. positions shown, the

no air is being supplied to. or withdrawn from the If the space temperature increases, the thermostat'51 will increase the pressure applied to diaphragm 22. This' increase in pressure will cause the force exerted by this diaphragm to be greater than the opposing force ofthe spring ,member 49.' Consequently, the diaphragm and valve' assembly will shift upwardly which will pounds per square inch while causing thevalve to be closed when the pressure is at seventeen pounds per square inch, 'there is always an excess pressure of ve pounds per square inch in pipe 58 for overcoming a friction in the parts. Thus when the valve is wide open, a pressure of -only slightly over ilve pounds per square inch cause opening of valve 21. This will permit the I air in pipe 58 to flow through the connection 8| into chamber 420a and past valve member 21 into chamber 31 from which it flows through passages 38 and 39 into the motor diaphragm I2.

This willv cause expansion of the diaphragm I2 thereby causing downward movement of the valve stem 4 and of the entirevalve assembly. As the valve stem moves -downward for reducing the i'low of yheating medium to the radiator, the spring member- 49will vbe urged towards the left by the inclined plane member 5| thereby insembly which will cause' opening.. of valve,v 25. i

Opening of'. this valve will permit air ,within the motor diaphragm I2 to flow through passages 38 to 39 into chamber 31 and past valve 25'` to atmosphere.. Thisexhausting of air from' the motor diaphragm I2 will permit the spring I1 to contract this diaphragm'and urge the valve stem per square inch in the diaphragm |2, this spring has an excess force corresponding to five pounds 4 upwardly for increasing the supply of heating medium to the radiator. `.Asfthe valve steam 4 moves upwardly in this Amannenthe tension yof` .spring member-49 will be decreased-therebydef creasing the l downward forceappliedjbyy the follow-up 'member 41 upon thediaphragm and valve assembly. This will permit upward movement of this assembly towardsthe neutral pos'i` 75 will be necessaryfor overcoming the tension of spring I1 and closing the valve somewhat. At

' this time the pressure within the control line 'Willbe ten pounds per square inch and hence an excess pressure of five pounds per square inch is available for overcoming any tendency of` the valve to stickand for insuring that vthe valve reachesthe proper position. This excess pressure of ve pounds per square inch is present throughout the entire' control range. Thus only twelve pounds per square inch is necessary for holding. the valve closed, and at this time a pressure of seventeen pounds per square inch will be present in the control line for insuring that the valve does close. Also, it will be-.seen that due to the spring I1 being designed for opening the valve wide with a pressure of live pounds sper square inch for insuring that the valve reaches wide open position, as the diaphragm I2 may be completely vented if necessary to obtain wide open position.

Referring now to Figure 3, this ligure illustrates a modied follow-up arrangement. In this figure,` the motoLdiaphragm II2 is located within the diaphragm cage' |89 as'in Figure l. The base plate ||4 which is secured to the lower cell of the diaphragm II2 is in turn secured to a casing ||8 forming a chamber |31 which houses diaphragms I2I and I22,which in this case' may` be formed vas bellows. The bellows or diaphragm I2| is secured tothe base plate I|4 and'is 'provided with a head |28 formed to provide a valve seat for a valve member |25.- This valve member is biased towards closed positionby means of 'a spring. |28 which abuts an angular member; |29.

secured to the .head |28.' This. angular member also provides ia guide for the valve' |25. The diaphragm |22 is-provided witha head |28 into which isfprmed a valve seat Vcooperating with a valve member |21.' This valve memberis biased towards closed y position and .guided similarly to the valve |25. .The diaphragm I22`is secured tov the lower part of 'housing H5 and the interior thereof is connected'by ajpassageto the exible connection 18| which in turn is connected to the fitting |685 The thermostat pressure is therefore applied tothe interior of diaphragm |22'. The chamber I 81 communicates through 'a passage |38 with the .interior of the motor diawith lock nuts |54.

is urged into engagement with the inclined plane .radiator valve move phragm I|2. I'he interior of the diaphragm |2|. is connected by a vent e I 24 to atmosphere.

'Ihe bellows or diaphragm heads |23 and |23 are secured together by means of members |32 and |33 for causing these diaphragms to move as a unit. Extending through an opening |43 in |41. This member is pivoted upon a sealing diaphragm |50 which covers the opening |43 and thus provides for sealing the chamber |31 from atmosphere. This follow-up member |41 is Brovided witha roller cooperating with an inclined plane member lil. This member may be adjustably secured tothe leg llt of the diaphragm cage by means of 'screws |53 which are provided The follow-up member |41 member Iii by means of spring lll.

Located within the bellows or diaphragm .|2| is a-'biasing spring |49.v This spring abuts the base member H4 at its upper end and abuts the head |23 at its lower end. This provides a positive downward biasing of the diaphragm and valve assembly.\ Therefore vior each value of pressure applied to the bellows |22, there will be a deiinite position assumed by the assembly formed of diaphragms |2| and |22. With the parts in the positions shown, a pressure of approximately 13.5 vpounds per square inch is ap- 'the side of member It is a follow-up member .l

trolling a small device such as radiator valves.l it will be understood that the invention is not limited to apparatus'of this type .and.may be applied to' other types of valves and also to damper motors. Also while vdefinite values of pressure at which the device may respond have by the scope of the appended I claim as my invention:

1. In a pneumatic controlsystem,` in combination,v a positioning motor means including a chamber having a movable wall., means including a control line for supplyingpressure nuid to said motor means tor actuatingv the same, condition responsive means vtor varying the pressure in said control line',` a pressure actuated device connected to said control line, valve means in said control line actuated by said pressure actuated device for controlling the lpressure supplied to. the chamber of said motor means through said control line, and follow-up means actuated upon movement of said movable wall for cooperating with said pressure' actuateddevice in controlling said valve means in -a manner to cause said movable wall to follow up changes in pressure in said control line.

2. In a pneumatic' control system. in combination, a positioning motor means including a chamcaused the motor diaphragm |2 to assume an intermediate position in which the follow-'up member |41 permits closing of valves |25 and i 21.

If the space temperature should increase, the

controlling thermostat will increase the pressure applied to diaphragm |22 'which will cause up.

ward movement of the diaphragm and valve assembly. At this time, the follow-upmember |41 will remain stationary and `consequently this upward movement will cause opening of valve |21. This will permit the flow 'of air under pressure into the motor diaphragm ||2 for causing downward movement of the radiator valve stem and the entire assembly. This downward movement of the follow-up member |41 on the inclined plane member will cause lit to rotate in a counterclockwise direction thereby permitting valve |21 to approach its seat. When the movement of the radiator valve corresponds to the change in applied pressure caused by the thermostat. the follow-up member |41 will once again assume the neutral positionin which the valves |21 and |25 are closed. It will be apparent that upon a decrease in pressure applied by the controlling thermostat, the diaphragm and valve assembly will move downwardly for causing opening of demanded by the the ostat.

vli'ron'i the foregoing description, it will heapparent that this' invention provides for-positive ber having a movable wall, means including a control line for supplying pressure nuidto said motor means for actuating the same, condition responsive. means for varying the pressure in said con- -to such movement will close valve I2! when'the ent corresponds-.to lthat positioning of a-valve or 'other device in ccordance with the demand ofthe controller, this result being obtained without the .necessity of providing additional piping to the actuating motor. It will also be apparent that the invention proerating with said pressure actuated means -in convides a simple and compact positioning arrangement which may readily be applied to a standard radiator valve and which'i'sl entirely concealed. While-.the invention is of specialutility for con- 75 A 4; In a pneumatic control system, in combinatrol line, a pressure actuated device connected to said control line, three way valve means in said control line actuated by said pressure actuated device for controlling .the pressure supplied to said chamber of said motor means through said control line, said valve means having a neutral lposition for. closingl oi! said chamber, a second position for placing said chamber in communication with atmosphere` and a third position for placing said chamber in communication with said control line, andA follow-up means actuated .upon

movement of said movable wall for cooperating with said pressure actuated device in controlling said valve means in a manner to cause said movable wall position to follow up changes in pressure value of pressure applied to` saidchamber, means including a1 control line for supplying pressure iluid to said motor means for actuating the same,

, condition responsive' means for varying the pressure in'said control line, a pressure actuated device connected to said control line, valve means in said control line actuated by said pressure actuated device for controlling the pressure supplied to the chamber of said motor meansthrough said control line, and follow-up melans actuated upon movement of said movable wall' for cooptrolling valve means in 'a manner to cause "the movable wall position to follow. up changes in pressure in said control line.

tion, a positioning motor means including a chamber having a movable wall, a biasing means for said movable wall, said biasing means exerting a force varying with the position of said movable wall thereby tending to provide a predetermined position of` said movable wall for each value of 'pressure applied to said chamber, means including a control line for supplying pressure fluid to said motor means for actuating the same, con. dition responsive means for varying the pressure in said control line, a pressure actuated device connected to said controlline, three way valve means in said control line actuated by said pres` sure actuated device for controlling the pressure supplied to' said chamber of said motor means through said control line, said valve means having a neutral position for closing off said chamber, a second position for placing said chamber in communication with atmosphere, and a third position for placing said chamber in cornmunication with said control line, and follow-up means actuated upon movement of said movable wall for cooperating with said pressure actuated device in controlling said valve means in a manner to cause said movable Wall position to follow up changes in pressure in said control line.

5. In a pneumatic control system, in combina-- tion, a positioning motor means including a cham'- Aber having a movable walLa control line supplied variable pressure fluid in said control line for actuating said motor means, and follow-up means for cooperating with said pressure actuated device -in controlling said valvev means to cause saidv movable wall position to follow up changes in pressure in said control line, said follow-up means and said pressureactuated means, said followup member engaging a stationary part oi the system.

7." In a pneumatic control system, in ,combin'ation, a positioning motor means including a chamber having a movable wall, a'control line supplied with pressures ydependingonqthe value of a variable condition, a pressure actuated device connected to said control line, valve means actuated by said pressure actuated device for controlling the pressure applied to said chamber of said motor means, said valve means and said vpressure actuatedl device being mounted in a manner to be shifted bodily as a unit upon movement of said movable wall, said valve means also being arranged to place said chamber into com,

munication with said control line .to thereby utilize the variable pressure uid said control lin'e for actuating said motor means, and'followup means for cooperating with said pressure' actuated device in controlling said valve means to cause said movable wall position to follow-up changes in pressure in saidcontrol-line, said follow-up means including a follow-up memberv carried with said valve means and said pressure actuated means, and av stationary but adjustable inclined plane member engaged by said follow-up member for causing motion of said follow-up member relative to said unit formed of said valve means and said pressure actuated device upon movement of said movable wall. l

8. In a pneumatic control system, in combinan tion, a positioning motor means including a cham'- including a follow-up member carried with said munication with atmo said control line for'utilizing variable pressure fluid in the control vline for actuating the motor means, said valve means and said pressure actuated device being mounted in a manner to be shifted bodily as a unit lupon movement of said movable wall, and follow-up means for'cooperating with' said pressure actuated device in control- .a second position for placing said chamber in com-I here', vand a third position for placing said cham er in communication with ber having a movable wall, a control line supplied withpressures depending on the value ofv a variable condition, a control unit including a pressure actuated device connected to said control line and valve means actuated by said pressure actuyated device, said control unit being mounted for bodily movement with said movable wall, said valve means being arranged .for placing said chamber in communication with said control line for thereby utilizing the variable pressure in said control line for actuating said motor means, and

follow-up means for cooperating with said pressure actuated means in controlling said valve means, said follow-up means including a followl up member carried by saidvunit, and a stationary but .adjustable inclined plane member engaged by said follow-up member for causing motion of said follow-up member relative to said unit upon movement of said movable wall.

9. vIna pneumatic control system, in combination, a positioning motor means for actuating said controlling device, said motor means including a chamber having a movable wall, a pressure control line, a control unit for said motor means including a pressure actuated device connected to said control line and valve means actuated by said pressure actuated device, said control'unit being mounted for bodilymovement with said movable wall, and follow-up means Vfor cooperating with said' pressure actuated means in controlling said valve means, said follow-up Y ling said valvemeans to cause. said movable wall position to follow up changes in pressure in said v control line, said follow-up .means including a follow-up member carried with said valve means means including a follow-up member carried by said unit, vand a stationary but adjustable inclinedl plane member engaged by saidfollow-up member for causing motion of said follow-up member relative to said unit upon movement of vsaid movable wall.

10.' Ina pneumatic control system', in combinaforce varying with the position of said movable able wall through its range'of movement against said biasing means, condition responsive means pressure actuated device connected to said control line, valvej means in said control line actuj for varying v the pressurev in saidA control line, af

ated by said pressure actuated vdevice for controlling the pressure supplied to the chamber of said motor means through said control line, and follow-up means actuated upon movement of said movable wall for cooperating with said pressure actuated means in controlling said valve means in a manner to cause the movable wall position to follow up changes in pressure in said control line. y

JOHN L. HARRIS. 

